Pharrell Signs With Columbia Records, Solo Album Due in 2014

Today, Columbia Records announced via press release it has signed recent Complex digital cover starPharrell to a record deal that will bring a solo album in 2014. According to the label, "Happy"—the song from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack that recently had an innovative 24 hour video—will be featured on that forthcoming record, which does not yet have a release date more specific than "next year."

Pharrell, of course, has had a monster 2013, ruling the pop charts all summer with "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines" while also producing rap hits for 2 Chainz and Nelly and album tracks for worshipers Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, the Creator. He also features prominently on Beyoncé's new album.